Constructions and Sociohistorical Considerations of Gender

This chapter will focus on conceptual dimensions of gender as these have been historically defined, by sociohistorical forces and government policies and within the mental health professions, along with their social implications and resultant public policies (e.g., right to vote, right to access to education and jobs). The impact of gender based forms of prejudice and discrimination also will be presented. Important intersections of gender with other social group identities, as based on race, ethnicity, cultural and socioeconomic status will be introduced as an essential framework for the book.